ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. -- Water usage during the summertime can skyrocket. While outdoor activities such as watering plants and filling and maintaining pools require large amounts of water, daily indoor usage can also cause overall consumption to rise.

However, with a little foresight and awareness, homeowners can minimize their monthly intake, all while helping both their wallets and the environment. To help start the savings, Suez shared six simple ways Rockland residents can reduce their water usage instantly:

Hop in and hop out:
Shortening shower time by a minute or two can save up to 150 gallons of water per month. A short shower also uses less water than taking a bath.

Chill out:
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator rather than running the faucet when you want a drink. This not only saves water, but ensures water is ice cold before pouring a glass.

Wash and water:
Clean fruits and vegetables in a pot filled with water instead of under an open faucet. Then, reuse the water to feed houseplants or herbs.

Turn off the sink:
Close the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face. This one tip can lead you to save up to 3,000 gallons of water per year and ensure considerable savings.

Load up:
When using the washing machine or dishwasher, make sure it is fully loaded before beginning a cycle. Using the light wash setting on a dishwasher can also clean without running up a water bill.

Swap out:
For serious savings, consider upgrading outdated toilets, washing machines and shower heads for more energy efficient models. Many older fixtures use more than double the water as newer offerings, and waste thousands of gallons of water annually. Suez is currently offering instant rebates of up to $100 on select residential products.